Uncovering Beauty, Embracing Brokenness, Discovering Joy.
Thoughts of our daughter course through my day.
Often waking me in the night.
Is she safe, sad, alone, afraid, cold, hungry.
I wonder how old she is, who is caring for her, where she is living.
Grieving over all that I am missing.
[Read more…] about He Sees Her
The adoption authority in Bulgaria is The Ministry of Justice and is located in the capital city of Sofia. Married couples and singe people may adopt from Bulgaria and there is no length of marriage or age requirement. There is also great flexibility in the age of parents and family size when adopting a special needs, sibling group or older children. Adoptive parents need to be at least 15 years older than the adopted child and there may be additional requirements for adoptive families living outside the United States determined by the family’s government.
[Read more…] about Heart for Bulgaria: In-Country Adoption Process
Contemporary households commonly consist of married couples or couples with children. Three generations living in one home is also very common with grandparents caring for children, cleaning, cooking and shopping. This being a necessity as both parents need to work to support the family in most urban areas. Another contributing factor is the housing shortage in Bulgaria.
[Read more…] about Heart for Bulgaria: Family Life, Common Social Issues and Orphans
Bulgaria is a beautiful and diverse culture filled with traditions that root back centuries and have stood the test of time. Our hope and prayer as a family is to weave Bulgarian traditions and customs into our own family rhythms and daily life. To celebrate similarities and differences and the unique beauty that each individual possesses as valuable and dearly loved children of God.
[Read more…] about Heart for Bulgaria: Interweaving of Cultures and Traditions
Since 1879 the capital of Bulgaria has been Sofia. In touring this city one would discover that it is not only the largest city and the hub of political affairs but a cornucopia of culture and history. One would witness stark contrasts between the many eras and cultures represented throughout the city as well as visual and tangible reminders at every turn of this city’s ancient origins.
[Read more…] about Heart For Bulgaria: Saturated in Life, Beauty, Culture and Rich History
The path to freedom for Bulgaria was named the “gentle revolution” which began with the forced resignation of the dictator Todor Zhivkov in November 1989. This set off a wave of rallies and tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the central squares of the capital and other big cities. They demanded free elections and the end of the Soviet regime.
Due to the changing of the guard from Zhivkov to the reforming wing of the Communist Party and the alliance of democratic organizations, Bulgaria managed to break free from Communist rule without bloodshed or violence. Negotiations took place between the reforming Communist Party and the Union of Democratic Forces. These talks led to the first free election in 1990 and the formation of a New Democratic constitution which was established in 1991.
Even with this hope of freedom now becoming a reality for Bulgaria they would have a long, hard road ahead to bring healing to a nation divided over its Communist past. From 1990 through 1997 Bulgaria had its first experience with democracy with Zhelyu Zhelev of the Union of Democratic Forces as the first postwar noncommunist president. Nevertheless the 1990’s were marked by constant public unrest and political instability. The economy in crisis but forging forward into the free-market after the collapse of the Soviet system.
[Read more…] about Heart For Bulgaria: The Road to Wholeness
On March 3, 1878, Turkey signed a treaty of capitulation, the San Stefano peace settlement. This settlement ensured the political liberation of the Bulgarians in Moesia (between the Danube River and the Balkan Mountains), northern Thrace and Macedonia. Under the sovereignty Bulgaria had its own church and state. The nation of Bulgaria felt free, united and poised for a great future.
[Read more…] about Heart For Bulgaria: An Ember of Hope
We are still so tired from a non-stop weekend but blown away over the way God provided for our yard sale.
Here are two short videos we put together before and after our sale. Many thanks to everyone who donated, helped out, came to shop and covered us in prayer. We are ever grateful.
[Read more…] about Update from our Adoption Fundraiser Yard Sale on July 18 & 19
![I Am the Lucky One [Printable]](https://i0.wp.com/www.magnoliaheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/printable_i_am_the_lucky_one_square.jpg?fit=500%2C500&ssl=1&resize=40%2C40){kind=small}